Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire

This small, but important village lies in one of Europe's most beautiful locations, lying inside Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, with Loch Ard, Loch Chon, Loch Arklet and Loch Lomond all lying to the west, with Loch Katrine, Loch Achray and Loch Venacher to the north and the Lake of Menteith, Scotland's only "lake" lying to the east. The village is without doubt the most important gateway to the Trossachs and has something for everyone, including the Aberfoyle Mushroom Festival, Quack Commandos (a road show presented by the Scottish Sheepdog School based at Kinlochard in the Trossachs). This hilarious road show demonstrates the skill and speed of the border collie in action with a flock of Indian runner ducks. GO APE High Wire adventure playground located at David Marshall Lodge.

The district around the village is steeped in history. There are many characters in Scottish history, but few as famous as William Wallace, Rob Roy Macgregor, and Mary Queen of Scots - all had a part to play in the history of the area. Inchmahome Island & Priory, accessed by ferry from Lake of Menteith jetty was a refuge for Mary Queen of Scots, who stayed there in 1547. She was only four years old at the time, and stayed for three weeks, mainly for her own safety after the disastrous battle of Pinkie (between the Scottish and English armies) in September of that year.